Meet : Marin Montagut

As a self-educated esthete, Martin Montagut creates objets that are missing in his life. Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche has the honor to host the very first pop-up of his eponymous brand. You will find an exclusive collection of scarves, cushions, table sets...inspired by his favorite places in paris and astrology. We chared a moment to talk about his passion for the french lifestyle and craftmanship.

What were your sources of inspiration when creating this range for Le Bon Marché?

Paris is one of my main sources of inspiration. A challenge that I relish is designing precious items and paying homage to this city without falling into the kitsch of souvenirs. My collections of scarves, cushions and ceramics on which I illustrated maps of my favourite Parisian areas are examples. The stars and the cosmos have also inspired me to work with the imaginary world and poetry. I illustrated the 12 astrological signs in a collection of cushions and tableware, which allow customers to purchase their astrological sign or give someone theirs as a gift. I love the idea of approaching a relatively common theme with everyday objects, which make the everyday more cherished.

What does Le Bon Marché mean to you?

The first word that comes to my mind is “Mythical”. It is one of those rare department stores that still has that old-fashioned charm, which makes young and old alike delight in an interior which looks like it has come straight out of a film starring Audrey Hepburn. It is like a city of dreams on the Rive Gauche. There is only one Le Bon Marché in the world, and I am very honoured to be able to open my first pop-up store there. When I was 20 years old, I even worked at Le Bon Marché for a few months to earn a little on the side. I often dreamt about spending a night there. This dream became a reality not long ago as I had the chance to spend a whole night there when I was putting up the decoration for my pop-up store. What a magical moment!

There is only one Le Bon Marché in the world, and I am very honoured to be able to open my first pop-up store there.

You published the book “Sous les toits de Paris” (Under the Roofs of Paris) with Ines de la Fressange. Can you tell us about how you met ?

I met Ines when I was working as an assistant for the film-set decorator Christian Sapet at the Saint-Ouen flea market. I was perched at the top of a stepladder about to knock in the first nail in his office and hang up his first picture. It became clear very quickly that we shared a taste for decoration. Then our publishers suggested that we publish a book combining our shared worlds and our passion for decoration. After a year’s work, I am proud of and happy with our baby “Sous les toits de Paris”, which is a tribute to interiors that are not decorated but lived in.

The Le Bon Marché customers are delighted that there will be a book signing on 17 November! Do you have a message to give them?

After spending long months alone in my workshop bringing this book to life, I am very happy and touched that I will get to meet all those who see themselves in its pages. I am also delighted to be able to welcome the public into the new interior of my workshop, where I painted all the watercolours for the book!

The pop-up is located in the House Zone, 2nd Floor of Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

There will be a book signing on November 17th from 5:30PM to 7PM, with Marin Montagut and Ines de la Fressange

You can discover Marin Montagut's creations on his instagram @bonjourmarinmontagut